Generative AI Perceptions: A Survey to Measure the Perceptions of Faculty, Staff, and Students on Generative AI Tools in Academia
Project Overview
The document explores a survey conducted at Texas A&M University to assess perceptions of generative AI, particularly ChatGPT, among students and faculty/staff in the context of engineering education. It outlines several key applications of ChatGPT, including content generation, personalized learning experiences, and research assistance, which demonstrate its potential to enhance educational practices. However, the survey results reveal a spectrum of opinions regarding the influence of ChatGPT on academic integrity and the development of critical skills essential for engineers. The findings underscore the necessity of navigating the integration of generative AI in educational settings, highlighting both its transformative potential and the ethical challenges it poses. Overall, the document advocates for a balanced approach to implementing AI tools in education, promoting their benefits while addressing concerns about their impact on learning and professional competencies.
Key Applications
ChatGPT
Context: Higher education, specifically within the college of engineering, targeting students and faculty/staff.
Implementation: Surveys distributed to students and faculty/staff to gather feedback on experiences and perceptions of ChatGPT.
Outcomes: Increased understanding of how ChatGPT is used for academic study, perceived benefits like personalized learning, and challenges related to academic dishonesty.
Challenges: Concerns about academic dishonesty, over-reliance on AI, and potential reduction in critical thinking skills.
Implementation Barriers
Ethical
Concerns about academic dishonesty facilitated by ChatGPT and the potential for students to take shortcuts in their learning.
Proposed Solutions: Encouraging responsible use of AI tools and integrating discussions on ethics into the curriculum.
Technological
The rapid evolution of AI tools may outpace faculty and staff training, leading to discomfort in their use.
Proposed Solutions: Providing training and resources for faculty and staff to better understand and utilize generative AI tools.
Project Team
Sara Amani
Researcher
Lance White
Researcher
Trini Balart
Researcher
Laksha Arora
Researcher
Kristi J. Shryock
Researcher
Kelly Brumbelow
Researcher
Karan L. Watson
Researcher
Contact Information
For information about the paper, please contact the authors.
Authors: Sara Amani, Lance White, Trini Balart, Laksha Arora, Kristi J. Shryock, Kelly Brumbelow, Karan L. Watson
Source Publication: View Original PaperLink opens in a new window
Project Contact: Dr. Jianhua Yang
LLM Model Version: gpt-4o-mini-2024-07-18
Analysis Provider: Openai